Michael C. Lewis

Position: Senior Engineering Scientist

Biography
Mr. Michael Lewis has 15 years of experience in advanced research and technology development at the University of Texas Center for Electromechanics (UT-CEM). Mr. Lewis’ early research responsibilities were primarily focused on the development of a prototype advanced high-speed generator for an electromagnetic aircraft launching system. Under this program, Mr. Lewis was responsible for the mechanical design of a high-speed rotor, which included novel materials and design approaches that required extensive testing and research before implementation. In addition, he was also responsible for modeling and analyses essential to development of the generator, including airflow network analysis, 3D electromagnetic modeling, and structural finite element analysis.

Mr. Lewis’ current interests involve alternative fuelled vehicles and renewable power, including hydrogen and natural gas powered vehicles, and alternative energy sources. His team has developed, built, and tested fuel cell hybrid vehicles ranging from small neighborhood electric vehicles to transit bus to heavy duty trucks. Mr. Lewis is currently the principal investigator for several alternative fuel bus demonstration projects using either hydrogen fuel cell technology or advanced all-electric battery systems. An overarching mission of Mr. Lewis and his research team is to advance the state of these alternative fuel technologies and provide technology transfer to industrial partners which will accelerate the adoption and commercialization of alternative fuels for transportation.
Mr. Lewis is also currently leading UT-CEM's efforts on a Department of Energery ARPA-E award investigating alternative means of providing at-home compression of natural gas for compressed natural gas vehicles. Under this program the focus is on transforming the natural gas vehicle market by providing a low-cost, reliable alternative for at-home refueling.